Howard Ross Mitchell

Howard Ross Mitchell, Jr, M.D. died Saturday evening, May 5, 2012 at his home. A dedicated and admired family practice physician, he was born in Columbus on November 18, 1924. He was preceded in death by Mary Shannon Mitchell, his beloved wife of 57 years and his parents, Mildred Greding Mitchell and Howard Ross Mitchell, M.D. He is survived by his wife, Paula Browne Mitchell, and his four children: Howard Ross Mitchell III, Molly Mitchell Ryan (James), D. Bryant Mitchell II (Wendy), Dorothy Lewis Mitchell (Mark Behn); nine grandchildren: Catherine Mitchell Van Asselt (Dennis), Andrew Ross Mitchell, Michael F.C. Mitchell, J. Mitchell Ryan, Molly Shannon Ryan, David B. Mitchell III, John I. Mitchell, Daniel S. Mitchell, and Charles G. Mitchell; two great grandchildren, Thijs Van Asselt and Elizabeth Van Asselt and sister, Jean Mitchell Green (Emerson) of Langhorne, PA. He led a rich life full of family, travel and service to others. He was a graduate of Bexley High School in 1942, where he was an All-City athlete in football, basketball and track. He served as a medical corpsman in the Army in France in World War II from 1944-46. After the war, he attended the American University in Biarittz, France, earning credits toward his degree at Ohio State. He earned a bachelor of science degree in 1949 from Ohio State University and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. In 1948, he married Mary Shannon, and graduated from Ohio State University Medical School in 1952. He was in private medical practice for more than 40 years with his father until his father’s retirement, with offices on East Broad Street and later on College Avenue. He retired from medicine in 1994. He served on the staff at Grant Medical Center, Mt. Carmel Hospital, St. Anthony Hospital, St. Ann’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital. He was a member of the Ohio State Medical Association, the American Association of Physicians and Surgeons and a member of the Ohio State Alumni Association. He volunteered at the Columbus Medical Associations free clinic for several years. An avid golfer, he was a long-time member of the Columbus Country Club and The Golf Club. For the past 15 years, he was a reader to the blind at Voice Corps Reading Service. He also originated and enjoyed hosting the “Bexley Boys” Lunch and he served on the board of the Bexley Historical Society. He also enjoyed playing bridge with friends. His children often teased him about his expression when it was time to leave: and go home: “it’s quittin’ time!” That time has sadly come. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 2pm at Schoedinger Midtown Chapel 229 E. State St. Columbus, OH 43215 with Dr. Frank Luchsinger officiating. Friends will be received an hour prior to service. A private interment was held at an earlier time. If desired, memorials may be made to: VoiceCorps Reading Service, 2955 West Broad St., Columbus, OH 43204, to the Salvation Army, 966 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43205, Mount Carmel Hospice, 6150 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43213, or any charity of one’s choice. To share memories and condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.